Kia has announced the 2024 Sorento Hybrid, a midsize SUV that offers a balance of performance, efficiency, and versatility. The Sorento Hybrid is part of Kia’s ambitious plan to launch 11 electrified models by 2026, as the company aims to become a leader in the green mobility market. Let's take a closer look at the features, specifications, and benefits of the 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid and compare it with some of its main competitors.
What’s New for 2024?
The 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid is not a completely new model but rather a facelifted version of the fourth-generation Sorento that debuted in 2020. However, the changes are significant enough to make it stand out from the previous model. The most noticeable updates are on the exterior, where the Sorento Hybrid sports a new front fascia with vertical LED headlights, a redesigned grille, and a smoother hood. The rear end also gets a makeover with a new taillight design, a revised bumper, and a skid plate. The overall look is more sophisticated and modern, in line with Kia’s latest design language.
The interior of the 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid also receives some enhancements, such as a new dashboard with slimmer air vents, a larger curved 12.3-inch dual display for the digital gauge cluster and the infotainment system, and a touch bar that can switch between HVAC and navigation controls. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with seating for up to six passengers and a generous cargo capacity of 75.5 cubic feet, with the second and third rows folded down. The Sorento Hybrid also comes with a host of standard and available features, such as wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.
How Does It Perform?
The 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that together produce 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sorento Hybrid can achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 39 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most efficient three-row SUVs on the market. The Sorento Hybrid also has a smooth and composed ride quality thanks to its independent suspension and electric power steering. The braking system is well-tuned, with minimal interference from the regenerative braking function.
The 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid is not the only electrified option in the Sorento lineup. Kia also offers a plug-in hybrid variant, which has a larger battery pack that allows it to travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone. The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid has a higher output of 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and comes with standard all-wheel drive. The fuel economy ratings for the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid are not yet available, but they are expected to be lower than the Sorento Hybrid’s when running on gas. The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid also has a higher starting price of $51,000, compared to the Sorento Hybrid’s $38,000.
How Does It Compare?
The 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid faces some tough competition in the midsize SUV segment, especially from other hybrid models. Here are some of the main rivals of the Sorento Hybrid and how they stack up against it:
| Model | Price | Power | Torque | MPG (city/highway) | Seating Capacity | Cargo Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid | $38,000 | 227 hp | 258 lb-ft | 39/35 | 6 | 75.5 cu ft |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | $39,585 | 243 hp | 175 lb-ft | 36/35 | 7-8 | 84.3 cu ft |
| Ford Explorer Hybrid | $48,380 | 318 hp | 322 lb-ft | 27/29 | 6-7 | 87.8 cu ft |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid | $34,835 | 226 hp | 258 lb-ft | 33/30 | 5 | 72.0 cu ft |
As you can see, the 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid offers a good balance of price, performance, efficiency, and versatility among its competitors. It has the highest torque, city mpg ratings, and the second-lowest starting price. It also has decent seating and cargo capacity, although it falls short of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Ford Explorer Hybrid in those aspects. The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is the closest rival to the Sorento Hybrid, as they share the same powertrain and platform. Still, the Santa Fe Hybrid has a lower seating capacity and a slightly lower price.
The 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid is a smart choice for families who want a spacious, comfortable, and efficient three-row SUV. It has a stylish, modern design, a well-equipped, high-tech interior, and a smooth and powerful hybrid drivetrain. It also offers a good value proposition, as it undercuts most of its competitors in terms of price while offering comparable or better performance and efficiency. The Sorento Hybrid is expected to arrive in the U.S. market in the fall of 2023, and we look forward to testing it in person.
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